Oscar Lee Burgess Jr.

Oscar Burgess, 62 years old, born and raised in Savannah, GA, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 12, 2025, at 1046 Scott Street, surrounded by loved ones.

Born on February 13, 1963. The beloved child of late Ella Louise Temple and Robert Baker Jr., He joined First African Baptist Church as a youth and lately, became a member of IBCF. He pursued his education at Ramah Jr Academy, Windsor Forest High School(1983), Savannah State University (1983-1986), and later built a respected career in the United States Army as an E4 Light Wheeled Mechanic (1988-1994).

In 1994, life has a way of testing one’s strength — not just in the moments we shine, but more deeply in the moments when we are forced to step back. For someone who once wore the uniform with pride, receiving a medical discharge is not just a change in employment — it is a shift in identity, a redefining of purpose. Yet, that is where his true strength began to show. From being a truck driver, prison guard, and a boom truck driver (Chatham County Public Works 2000-2010).

He did his job with honor until his body could no longer keep pace with his heart. The disability may have end one chapter, but it didn’t define his story. If anything, it revealed more of the man he was; resilient, humble, and grounded in love for his family. Though he could no longer stand in formation, he stood taller than ever in the eyes of his wife and children.

Life after disability wasn’t easy. There were days of pain of wrestling with the “what-ifs” and “what-nows”. But he didn’t give up— he found new ways to provide, to love, and to lead. His home became his new post, his family his new mission. He became the rock, the mentor, the and safe place. His children saw a man who adapted, who pushed through his limits not for medals, but for bedtime stories and weekend breakfasts.

To his wife, he remained a partner in every sense — steadfast in his devotion, even when the days grew hard. Together, they weathered storms that only deepened their bond. She stood by him through recovery, through frustration, and through quiet victories that no one else saw. Their love was not built on ease, but on endurance, understanding, and grace.

Though his time in uniform was cut short, his life was never incomplete. He lived fully — with laughter in his home, pride in his children’s eyes, and love that never wavered. His legacy is not just in the service he gave, but in the life he built afterward. He showed that real courage isn’t only found on the battlefield — but in showing up every day for those you love, even when your strength is tested.

Oscar Burgess is survived by; His beloved wife of 23 years, Gwendolyn Burgess, Children: Ibn, Ian, Ivanna, Krystel, stepson Quin and grandson DJ. Father Robert Baker Jr., Siblings: Vivica Baker, Sharon Simpson, Little Bobby, Eric Burgess, and Kareem Albany. Nephew and nieces.

As we reflect on his life, we don’t remember just a veteran — we remember a father who never missed a moment to teach, a husband who never stopped choosing love, and a man who turned hardship into purpose.

His story didn’t end with a discharge — it only began again, in the arms of those who mattered most.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, September 19, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Baker McCullough Funeral Home, Hodgson Memorial Chapel (7415 Hodgson Memorial Drive Savannah, GA 31406).

Entombment will follow in the Trinity Mausoleum Chapel at Hillcrest Abbey East.

Visitation will be held Thursday evening, September 18, 2025 , from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.